Question:

The client is started on simvastatin (Zocor) as a component of cholesterol management. Which of the following laboratory tests needs to be monitored while on this therapy?

1. Complete blood count.

2. Serum glucose.

3. Total protein.

4. Liver function tests.

Liver function tests, including aspartate transaminase (AST), should be monitored before therapy, 6 to 12 weeks after initiation of therapy or after dose elevation, and then every 6 months. If AST levels increase to three times normal, therapy should be discontinued. Simvastatin does not influence serum glucose, complete blood count, or total protein. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels should be evaluated before initiating therapy, after 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, and periodically thereafter.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Analyze